The committee shall review the laws and regulations of the Federal Government, member states and territories pertaining to public acquisition and management of real property for transportation related purposes. The committee will review issues related to the placement of utilities on highway rights-of-way. It shall provide a forum for the exchange of experiences, innovations and best practices; and will recommend such laws, rules, regulations, and procedures so as to improve the quality and efficiency of Right of Way and Utility operating practices. The Right of Way process includes Right of Way Scoping/Mapping, Appraisal, Appraisal Review, Consultant Management, Relocation, Acquisition, Property Management, Condemnation Coordination and Management, and Program Management, including Local Public Agency coordination and certification. The Utilities process includes Utility Coordination, Utility Relocation, Utility Accommodation, Subsurface Utility Engineering and Utility Pole Safety.

The committee may establish liaison relationships with appropriate offices of the Federal Highway Administration and such other entities having a role and responsibility in the area of Right of Way and Utilities.

The committee shall work cooperatively with other AASHTO committees and subcommittees and shall report to the  Council on Highways and Streets on its actions, publications, recommendations, and resolutions promoting the general purpose of the Association. Each Member Department shall be entitled to membership, however, in those states where the Right of Way and Utilities function report to different organizational units, the state shall designate one (1) voting member on the committee.

• Committee Charter Approved

• Committee Strategic Plan Approved 

• Resolution on Metrification 

Committee Charter and Strategic Plan

• RUOAC Charter Approved 2018-05-10 [PDF]

• Strategic Plan 2018 Approved 09-22-2018 [PDF]

Vision Statement​

An effective voice for public acquisition and management of real property, including utility accommodation and relocation, for transportation purposes that results in maximizing the quality, integrity and efficiency of national transportation programs.

Mission Statement

In accordance with the AASHTO Governing Documents, Board of Directors’ Policy Manual, which establishes the mission of the Committee, to provide a forum through which all members are able to participate in affecting positive change and improvement in right of way and utility coordination issues through sharing of experiences, practices, and innovations.

​Emphasis Areas

​Provide opportunities to share technical expertise, procedures, and practices among Committee members, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and others; and support an innovative, creative environment for new approaches to common challenges.

We are committed to an annual committee conference that includes member departments, FHWA, consultants and industry partners. We also have created an electronic network by which all member departments through their respective committee directors or designees are able to hear from each other on areas of concern. We emphasize the importance of being innovative in ways to find efficiencies.

Encourage excellence through research and educational opportunities in right of way, utilities, and project development. We maintain partnerships with FHWA, the National Highway Institute and the International Right of Way Association (IRWA), and are committed to researching other opportunities to succeed in this area.

Review and if appropriate recommend changes to existing laws and regulations to improve the quality and efficiency of right of way and utility programs. We recognize the need to work with FHWA and respective member states to ensure that statutes and regulations permit, whenever possible, the most effective policies and practices.

Communicate information to, or disseminate information from, the AASHTO Council on Highways and Streets (CHS) as appropriate or required.

The Steering Committee, through its Chairman, coordinates all necessary information to CHS. Directors or their designees provide assistance in generating issues or providing feedback on submittals to ensure that all member departments are represented.